If you want a run-of-the-mill watch, Hublot is really not the place to go. Nowhere is that idea more on show than with the latest piece, a collaboration with New York artist Daniel Arsham.
Mr Arsham is known for a concept that has been called “fictional archaeology”. He builds a series of sculptures that look like eroded relics.
Some could pass for ruins from ancient Greek or Roman history – then you see one of a vending machine, and next a sculpture of a decaying R2-D2.
This idea of turning traditional stuff on its head is of obvious appeal to anyone who knows the first thing about Hublot, a brand that approached this century with so much confidence that it aligns its modern era with the creation of the universe.
The Arsham Droplet pocket watch measures a not insubstantial 73.2mm in length and 52.6mm across.
Made from a blend of titanium, rubber and sapphire crystal, it is powered by Hublot’s Meca-10 manufacture movement, with 10-day power reserve.
The sapphire crystal case is a first for pocket watches, according to a video that Arsham put out accompanying the piece.
As well as going in your pocket, it comes with two titanium chains, each with Hublot’s one-click system for easy attachment so it can be worn around the neck.
It also comes with a titanium and glass stand so it can be used as a table clock.
The case is a sandwich construction, with two domed teardrop-shaped crystals, open-worked titanium and rubber side bumpers with Daniel Arsham’s monogram stamped onto the surface.
“The Arsham Droplet is a true testament to the power of collaboration,” Arsham said. “By combining Hublot’s technical expertise with my own artistic vision, we have created a timepiece that transcends the traditional pocket watch, blending the past, present and future in a captivating and unexpected way.”
Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe echoed the sentiment. “Together with Daniel, we made the impossible possible,” he said. “The Arsham Droplet represents an incredible piece of art that can be enjoyed in three different ways: a pocket watch, a pendant or a table clock.”
The Arsham Droplet is limited to 99 examples. Price is $88,000 at retailers and hublot.com